Physician Chronicles

Interested in learning more about common medical conditions and concerns? Drs. Alan Peterson and Roland Larrabee of the Walter L. Aument Family Health Center, a Lancaster General healthcare facility located in Southern Lancaster County, address many of these issues in the Physician Chronicles.

Written in an easy-to-understand, concise format, these articles cover topics from bad breath to plantar’s fasciatis and everything in between. These articles offer information about some of the most common medical concerns. However, they are not intended as a substitution for medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please contact your family physician for the appropriate course of treatment.

Physician Chronicles for Current Month

It is that time of year again when older children return to school. More than 50 percent of mothers with infants or preschoolers work outside the home. The main reason for working is usually a financial one. Some mothers return to work because they enjoy it or need to stay up-to-date in a fast-changing career. The question of returning to work versus staying at home has no easy or correct answer. The decision is one that each mother must make based on her particular circumstances. Children can do well either way. The family's needs and financial security are the real considerations.

Much is written about the epidemic of childhood obesity, but upon occasion, parents become concerned because their child “isn’t eating.” Between 1 and 5 years old, it is normal for a toddler's appetite to slow down. It will probably seem like your child doesn't eat enough, is never hungry, or won't eat unless you spoon-feed them yourself. As long as your child's energy level is normal and they are growing normally, your child's appetite is most likely naturally slowing down.

Most adults need about 8 hours of sleep at night to feel fully alert when they’re awake. This is usually true for people age 65 or older too. But as we get older, we might have more trouble sleeping. Many things can get in the way of sleeping well or sleeping long enough to be fully rested.

One of the most important steps you can take to protect the health and life of your child is to childproof your home. Perhaps the best way to do this is to take a "baby's eye view." Crawl from room to room so you can spot the sharp corners, uncovered electrical wall outlets and extension cords, hanging cords to lamps and other appliances, and loose objects which might easily fall.